The former seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher returned to the sport this year with Mercedes but had a disappointing season. Schumacher who ended up ninth in the season blamed his Mercedes car for the poor return to Formula 1.
Compared to his team-mate Nico Rosberg, Schumacher had a very tough season. Rosberg ended up seventh with just two points behind the Ferrari driver, Felipe Massa. Rosberg was ahead by 64 points at the end of the season off Michael Schumacher due to which
the veteran got a lot of criticism. Schumacher also said that he was surprised that the team-mate Rosberg didn’t face the same issues with the car as he did. There were also news circulating that Schumacher and Rosberg had some in-fighting but the legendry
driver denied such rumours.
Although he didn’t have any problems with his team-mate, he did admit to have some harsh words shared between him, team Principal Ross Brawn and team’s Chief Norbert Haug. Schumacher said that his car had issues which his team-mate’s car didn’t have and
he wanted some explanations from the team.
Schumacher also blamed the technical and the tyres for his lacklustre comeback. He claimed that the handling of his car and the balance were not very good due to which he struggled to get going throughout. Schumacher also said that the car had some other
problems including the exhaust and the F-duct not working properly which caused him problems.
The data was available for Schumacher to see of how Rosberg drove the car but Schumacher said that it didn’t work out for him. During the races, Ross Brawn commented that the problem with Schumacher was that he was unable to adjust with the right combination
of tyres. The Mercedes team had struggled with the Bridgestone tyres during all the 2010 season.
Many critics came out aggressively at Schumacher saying that he never should have returned to the sport. Some also claimed that he will retire at the end of the season due to his unsuccessful return. Schumacher didn’t get criticism from all corners as he
also got some support from some of the former and current drivers.
Some consider this as a debut season for Schumacher as he returned after a gap of three years. Considering that, it was not such a bad show by the veteran. Towards the end of the season, he managed some good performances including his fourth place finish
which was best of the season for Schumacher.
Schumacher had the worst of season he has ever raced in Formula 1 history and he could have never predicted such a low point in his career. Comeback hasn’t been that easy for him but the next season will prove to be crucial for him in terms of performance
when he will get a car to his liking. He had trouble with the Bridgestone tyres but now they have ended their supply to Formula 1.
Schumacher has made it clear for everyone that his aim is to win another title and provided he gets a competitive car, he will definitely be amongst the top contenders for the championship. He will be looking forward to take part in the pre-season tests.
The first test conducted in Abu Dhabi with Pirelli was a good experience for Schumacher. He ended up in the second spot with the same car he had raced with all the 2010 season but it will depend how the Pirelli tyres suite his 2011 car.
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